UN General Assembly approves resolutions specific to Caribbean and Pacific Dependencies after some texts were amended by the UN Fourth Committee.
American Samoa
The United Nations Fourth Committee made the following changes to the recommended resolution of the Decolonisation Committee.
(a) Operative paragraph 1, which read:
“1. Welcomes the work of the territorial Government and legislature
with regard to the recommendations made by the Future Political Status Study
Commission in preparation for American Samoa’s fourth constitutional
convention, to be held in 2010 to address issues related to the future status of
American Samoa, and commends the efforts of the territorial Government to
enhance public awareness of the ongoing preparations for submitting
constitutional amendments”,
was replaced by:
“1. Takes note of the proposed amendments to the 1967 revised
Constitution of American Samoa adopted at the fourth Constitutional
Convention held in June 2010”;
(b) Operative paragraph 2, which read:
“2. Calls upon the administering Power to assist the Territory by
facilitating its work concerning the intention of holding the fourth
constitutional convention in 2010, if requested”,
was replaced by:
“2. Welcomes the work of the territorial Government and legislature in
accordance with the recommendations made by the Future Political Status
Study Commission in preparation for the fourth Constitutional Convention,
and commends the related efforts of the territorial Government to enhance
public awareness of the Convention”;
The amended text of the resolution was adopted by the General Assembly as follows:
American Samoa
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on American
Samoa and other relevant information,
Aware that under United States law the Secretary of the Interior has
administrative jurisdiction over American Samoa,
Noting the position of the administering Power and the statements made by
representatives of American Samoa in regional seminars inviting the Special
Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on
the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples to send a visiting
mission to the Territory,
Aware of the work of the Future Political Status Study Commission, completed
in 2006, the release of its report, with recommendations, in January 2007, and the
creation of the American Samoa Constitutional Review Committee in the Territory,
as well as the holding in June 2010 of American Samoa’s fourth Constitutional
Convention,
Noting, in that regard, the statement made by the Governor of American
Samoa at the Pacific regional seminar held in Nouméa from 18 to 20 May 2010, and
previous policy papers presented to the Special Committee, in which he stated that,
while the Territory’s status was akin to being self-governing, it was time to forge a
more collaborative approach between the Territory and the administering Power,
Acknowledging the indication by the territorial Government that the effects of
certain federal laws on the Territory’s economy are serious cause for concern,
Aware that American Samoa continues to be the only United States Territory to
receive financial assistance from the administering Power for the operations of the
territorial Government,
1. Takes note of the proposed amendments to the 1967 revised Constitution
of American Samoa adopted at the fourth Constitutional Convention held in June
2010;
2. Welcomes the work of the territorial Government and legislature in
accordance with the recommendations made by the Future Political Status Study
Commission in preparation for the fourth Constitutional Convention, and commends
the related efforts of the territorial Government to enhance public awareness of the
Convention;
3. Expresses appreciation for the invitation extended in 2010 to the Special
Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on
the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the Governor of
American Samoa to send a visiting mission to the Territory, calls upon the
administering Power to facilitate such a mission if the territorial Government so
desires, and requests the Chair of the Special Committee to take all the steps
necessary to that end;
4. Requests the administering Power to assist the Territory by facilitating its
work concerning a public awareness programme recommended by the Future
Political Status Study Commission in its 2007 report, consistent with Article 73 b of
the Charter of the United Nations, and, in that regard, calls upon the relevant United
Nations organizations to provide assistance to the Territory, if requested;
5. Calls upon the administering Power to assist the territorial Government
in the diversification and sustainability of the economy of the Territory and to
address employment and cost-of-living issues;
Anguilla
The General Assembly adopted the following resolution on Anguilla:
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on Anguilla9 and
other relevant information,
Recalling the holding of the 2003 Caribbean regional seminar in Anguilla,
hosted by the territorial Government and made possible by the administering Power,
the first time that the seminar had been held in a Non-Self-Governing Territory,
Recalling also the statement of the representative of Anguilla at the Caribbean
regional seminar, held in Frigate Bay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, from 12 to 14 May
2009,
Noting the internal constitutional review process resumed by the territorial
Government in 2006, the work of the Constitutional and Electoral Reform
Commission, which prepared its report in August 2006, the holding of public and
other consultative meetings in 2007 on proposed constitutional amendments to be
presented to the administering Power, and the 2008 decision to set up a drafting
team consisting of territorial Government officials, members of the House of
Assembly and lawyers to draft a new constitution, as well as the presentation of the
draft constitution for public consultation in the Territory in 2009 and the expectation
that the draft text will be further discussed with the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland in 2010, with the aim of seeking full internal
self-government,
Aware that the Government intends to continue its commitment to high-end
tourism and the implementation of various regulations in the financial services
sector,
Noting the participation of the Territory as an associate member in the
Caribbean Community, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean,
1. Welcomes the presentation of a new constitution for public consultation
in 2009 with the aim of further discussing the new constitution with the
administering Power in 2010;
2. Requests the administering Power to assist the Territory in its current
efforts with regard to advancing the internal constitutional review exercise, if
requested;
3. Stresses the importance of the previously expressed desire of the
territorial Government for a visiting mission by the Special Committee, calls upon
the administering Power to facilitate such a mission, if the territorial Government so
desires, and requests the Chair of the Special Committee to take all the necessary
steps to that end;
4. Requests the administering Power to assist the Territory by facilitating its
work concerning public consultative outreach efforts, consistent with Article 73 b of
the Charter of the United Nations, and, in this regard, calls upon the relevant United
Nations organizations to provide assistance to the Territory, if requested;
5. Calls upon the administering Power to assist the territorial Government
in strengthening its commitments in the economic domain, including fiscal matters;
Bermuda
The General Assembly adopted the following resolution on Bermuda:
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on Bermuda10
and other relevant information,
Recalling the statement of the representative of Bermuda at the Caribbean
regional seminar, held in Frigate Bay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, from 12 to 14 May
2009,
Conscious of the different viewpoints of the political parties on the future
status of the Territory, and noting a recent survey by local media on the matter,
Recalling the dispatch of the United Nations special mission to Bermuda in
2005, at the request of the territorial Government and with the concurrence of the
administering Power, which provided information to the people of the Territory on
the role of the United Nations in the process of self-determination, on the legitimate
political status options as clearly defined in General Assembly resolution 1541 (XV)
and on the experiences of other small States that have achieved a full measure of
self-government,
1. Stresses the importance of the 2005 report of the Bermuda Independence
Commission, which provides a thorough examination of the facts surrounding
independence, and continues to regret that the plans for public meetings and the
presentation of a Green Paper to the House of Assembly followed by a White Paper
outlining the policy proposals for an independent Bermuda have so far not
materialized;
2. Requests the administering Power to assist the Territory by facilitating its
work concerning public educational outreach efforts, consistent with Article 73 b of
the Charter of the United Nations, and, in this regard, calls upon the relevant United
Nations organizations to provide assistance to the Territory, if requested;
British Virgin Islands
The General Assembly adopted the following resolution on the British Virgin Islands:
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on the British
Virgin Islands and other relevant information,
Recalling the statement of the representative of the British Virgin Islands at the
Caribbean regional seminar, held in Frigate Bay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, from 12 to
14 May 2009,
Recalling also the 1993 report of the Constitutional Commissioners, the 1996
debate on the report in the Legislative Council of the Territory, the establishment of
the Constitutional Review Commission in 2004, the completion in 2005 of its report
providing recommendations on internal constitutional modernization and the debate
held in 2005 on the report in the Legislative Council, as well as the negotiations
between the administering Power and the territorial Government, which resulted in
the adoption of the new Constitution of the Territory in 2007,
Noting the view expressed in the aforementioned statement made by the
representative of the British Virgin Islands at the 2009 Caribbean regional seminar,
that, building on the conclusion of the recent internal constitutional modernization
exercise, the Territory’s focus was on economic development prior to any search for
independence,
Noting also the impact of the global economic slowdown on the Territory’s
financial and tourism services sectors,
Cognizant of the potential usefulness of regional ties for the development of a
small island Territory,
1. Recalls the new Constitution of the British Virgin Islands, which took
effect in June 2007, and stresses the importance of continued discussions on
constitutional matters;
2. Requests the administering Power to assist the Territory by facilitating its
work concerning public outreach efforts, consistent with Article 73 b of the Charter
of the United Nations, and, in that regard, calls upon the relevant United Nations
organizations to provide assistance to the Territory, if requested;
3. Welcomes the efforts made by the Territory to stimulate, including
through small business development, the two major segments of its economic base,
namely financial services and tourism;
Cayman Islands
The General Assembly adopted the following resolution on the Cayman Islands:
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on the Cayman
Islands and other relevant information,
Noting the statement made by the representative of the territorial Government
at the Pacific regional seminar held in Nouméa from 18 to 20 May 2010, which,
inter alia, indicated that, as affirmed during the general elections in May 2009, the
territorial Government had no mandate from the Territory’s people to pursue full
political independence,
Aware of the 2002 report of the Constitutional Modernization Review
Commission, which contained a draft constitution for the consideration of the
people of the Territory, the 2003 draft constitution offered by the administering
Power and the subsequent discussions between the Territory and the administering
Power in 2003, and the reopening of discussions between the administering Power
and the territorial Government on internal constitutional modernization, in 2006,
which resulted in the finalization of a new draft constitution in February 2009, its
subsequent acceptance by referendum in May 2009, and promulgation in November
2009,
Noting with interest the establishment, under the new Constitution, of a
Constitutional Commission, which serves as an advisory body on constitutional
matters,
Noting the participation of the Territory as an associate member of the
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean,
Acknowledging the indication by the territorial Government that certain
economic growth and cost-of-living issues, such as inflation, continue to be cause
for concern,
1. Welcomes the promulgation of a new Constitution in November 2009,
and the appointment of Commissioners of the new Constitutional Commission by
the Governor, in consultation with the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition;
2. Requests the administering Power to assist the Territory by facilitating its
work concerning public awareness outreach efforts, consistent with Article 73 b of
the Charter of the United Nations, and, in this regard, calls upon the relevant United
Nations organizations to provide assistance to the Territory, if requested;
3. Welcomes the efforts made by the territorial Government to address
sectoral management policies and cost-of-living issues in various economic sectors;
Guam
The General Assembly adopted the following resolution on Guam:
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on Guam and
other relevant information,
Aware that under United States law the relations between the territorial
Government and the federal Government in all matters that are not the programme
responsibility of another federal department or agency are under the general
administrative supervision of the Secretary of the Interior,
Recalling that, in a referendum held in 1987, the registered and eligible voters
of Guam endorsed a draft Guam Commonwealth Act that would establish a new
framework for relations between the Territory and the administering Power,
providing for a greater measure of internal self-government for Guam and
recognition of the right of the Chamorro people of Guam to self-determination for
the Territory,
Recalling also the previously expressed requests by the elected representatives
and non-governmental organizations of the Territory that Guam not be removed
from the list of the Non-Self-Governing Territories with which the Special
Committee is concerned, pending the self-determination of the Chamorro people
and taking into account their legitimate rights and interests,
Aware that negotiations between the administering Power and the territorial
Government on the draft Guam Commonwealth Act ended in 1997 and that Guam
has subsequently established a non-binding plebiscite process for a
self-determination vote by the eligible Chamorro voters,
Cognizant of the importance that the administering Power continues to
implement its programme of transferring surplus federal land to the Government of
Guam,
Noting that the people of the Territory have called for reform in the
programme of the administering Power with respect to the thorough, unconditional
and expeditious transfer of land property to the people of Guam,
Aware of the deep concerns expressed by civil society and others, including at
the meeting of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee of the General
Assembly in October 2009 and at the Pacific regional seminar held in Nouméa from
18 to 20 May 2010, regarding the potential social, cultural, economic and
environmental impacts of the impending transfer of additional military personnel of
the administering Power to the Territory,
Conscious that immigration into Guam has resulted in the indigenous
Chamorros becoming a minority in their homeland,
1. Calls once again upon the administering Power to take into consideration
the expressed will of the Chamorro people as supported by Guam voters in the
referendum of 1987 and as subsequently provided for in Guam law regarding
Chamorro self-determination efforts, encourages the administering Power and the
territorial Government to enter into negotiations on the matter, and stresses the need
for continued close monitoring of the overall situation in the Territory;
2. Requests the administering Power, in cooperation with the territorial
Government, to continue to transfer land to the original landowners of the Territory,
to continue to recognize and to respect the political rights and the cultural and ethnic
identity of the Chamorro people of Guam and to take all measures necessary to
address the concerns of the territorial Government with regard to the question of
immigration;
3. Also requests the administering Power to assist the Territory by
facilitating public outreach efforts, consistent with Article 73 b of the Charter of the
United Nations, and, in this regard, calls upon the relevant United Nations
organizations to provide assistance to the Territory, if requested;
4. Further requests the administering Power to cooperate in establishing
programmes for the sustainable development of the economic activities and
enterprises of the Territory, noting the special role of the Chamorro people in the
development of Guam;
Montserrat
The General Assembly adopted the following resolution on Montserrat:
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on Montserrat15
and other relevant information,
Recalling the statement of the representative of Montserrat at the Caribbean
regional seminar, held in Frigate Bay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, from 12 to 14 May
2009,
Recalling also the 2002 report of the Constitutional Review Commission, the
convening of a committee of the House of Assembly in 2005 to review the report
and the subsequent discussions between the administering Power and the territorial
Government on internal constitutional advancement and devolution of power,
Recalling further that the negotiating process with the administering Power on
a draft constitution giving greater autonomy to the territorial Government is
ongoing, and that, since March 2009, the administering Power has accorded stronger
emphasis to the redevelopment of the Territory,
Noting that, in May 2010, the newly elected territorial Government continued
the process of negotiating constitutional reforms with the administering Power and a
draft constitution agreed between the two parties was published for public
consultation,
Aware that Montserrat continues to receive budgetary aid from the
administering Power for the operation of the territorial Government,
Recalling the statements made by participants at the 2009 Caribbean regional
seminar encouraging the administering Power to commit sufficient resources to
meet the Territory’s special needs,
Noting with concern the continued consequences of the 1995 volcanic
eruption, which led to the evacuation of three quarters of the Territory’s population
to safe areas of the island and to areas outside the Territory, which continues to have
enduring consequences for the economy of the island,
Acknowledging the continued assistance provided to the Territory by States
members of the Caribbean Community, in particular Antigua and Barbuda, which
has offered safe refuge and access to educational and health facilities, as well as
employment for thousands who have left the Territory,
Noting the continuing efforts of the administering Power and the territorial
Government to deal with the consequences of the volcanic eruption,
1. Welcomes the progress made by the territorial Government and the
administering Power on concluding the negotiations to reform the Constitution of
the Territory and welcomes the public consultation being undertaken;
2. Requests the administering Power to assist the Territory by facilitating its
work concerning public outreach efforts, consistent with Article 73 b of the Charter
of the United Nations, and, in this regard, calls upon the relevant United Nations
organizations to provide assistance to the Territory, if requested;
3. Calls upon the administering Power, the specialized agencies and other
organizations of the United Nations system, as well as regional and other
organizations, to continue to provide assistance to the Territory in alleviating the
consequences of the volcanic eruption;
New Caledonia
At the 6th meeting, on 8 October, the representative of the Syrian Arab
Republic, in his capacity as Rapporteur of the Special Committee on (Decolonisation), orally revised the draft resolution adopted by the Special Committee entitled “Question of New Caledonia”,
(a) Operative paragraph 3, which read:
“3. Notes the relevant provisions of the Nouméa Accord aimed at
taking more broadly into account the Kanak identity in the political and social
organization of New Caledonia, and welcomes, in this context, the adoption on
26 June 2008 by the Government of New Caledonia of a draft country law (loi
du pays) on the identity symbols to be adopted by the country in
implementation of the Nouméa Accord and the acceptance, on 21 October
2008, of the draft law on the anthem, motto and banknote design”,
was replaced by:
“3. Notes the relevant provisions of the Nouméa Accord aimed at
taking more broadly into account the Kanak identity in the political and social
organization of New Caledonia, and welcomes, in this context, the adoption on
18 August 2010 by the Government of New Caledonia of the law on the
anthem, motto and banknote designs”;
(b) Operative paragraph 21, which read:
“21. Recalls with satisfaction, in this regard, the participation of New
Caledonia at the 40th summit of the Pacific Islands Forum, held in Cairns,
Australia, on 5 and 6 August 2009, following its accession to the Forum as an
associate member in October 2006”,
was replaced by:
“21. Recalls with satisfaction, in this regard, the participation of New
Caledonia at the 41st summit of the Pacific Islands Forum, held in Port Vila on
4 and 5 August 2010, following its accession to the Forum as an associate
member in October 2006”.
The amended text of the resolution was adopted by the General Assembly as follows:
Having considered the question of New Caledonia,
Having examined the chapter of the report of the Special Committee on the
Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples for 2010 relating to New
Caledonia,
Reaffirming the right of peoples to self-determination as enshrined in the
Charter of the United Nations,
Recalling General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 and
1541 (XV) of 15 December 1960,
Noting the importance of the positive measures being pursued in New
Caledonia by the French authorities, in cooperation with all sectors of the
population, to promote political, economic and social development in the Territory,
including measures in the area of environmental protection and action with respect
to drug abuse and trafficking, in order to provide a framework for its peaceful
progress to self-determination,
Noting also, in this context, the importance of equitable economic and social
development, as well as continued dialogue among the parties involved in New
Caledonia in the preparation of the act of self-determination of New Caledonia,
Noting with satisfaction the intensification of contacts between New Caledonia
and neighbouring countries of the South Pacific region,
1. Welcomes the significant developments that have taken place in New
Caledonia since the signing of the Nouméa Accord on 5 May 1998 by the
representatives of New Caledonia and the Government of France;2
2. Urges all the parties involved, in the interest of all the people of New
Caledonia, to maintain, in the framework of the Nouméa Accord, their dialogue in a
spirit of harmony, and in this context welcomes the unanimous agreement, reached
in Paris on 8 December 2008, on the transfer of powers to New Caledonia in 2009
and the conduct of provincial elections in May 2009;
3. Notes the relevant provisions of the Nouméa Accord aimed at taking
more broadly into account the Kanak identity in the political and social organization
of New Caledonia, and welcomes, in this context, the adoption on 18 August 2010
by the Government of New Caledonia of the law on the anthem, the motto and
banknote designs;
4. Acknowledges those provisions of the Nouméa Accord relating to control
of immigration and protection of local employment, and notes that unemployment
remains high among Kanaks and that recruitment of foreign mine workers
continues;
5. Notes the concerns expressed by a group of indigenous people in New
Caledonia regarding their underrepresentation in the Territory’s governmental and
social structures;
6. Also notes the concerns expressed by representatives of indigenous
people regarding incessant migratory flows and the impact of mining on the
environment;
7. Takes note of the relevant provisions of the Nouméa Accord to the effect
that New Caledonia may become a member or associate member of certain
international organizations, such as international organizations in the Pacific region,
the United Nations, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization and the International Labour Organization, according to their
regulations;
8. Notes the agreement between the signatories to the Nouméa Accord that
the progress made in the emancipation process shall be brought to the attention of
the United Nations;
9. Recalls the fact that the administering Power invited to New Caledonia,
at the time the new institutions were established, a mission of information which
comprised representatives of countries of the Pacific region;
10. Notes the continuing strengthening of ties between New Caledonia and
both the European Union and the European Development Fund in such areas as
economic and trade cooperation, the environment, climate change and financial
services;
11. Calls upon the administering Power to continue to transmit to the
Secretary-General information as required under Article 73 e of the Charter of the
United Nations;
12. Invites all the parties involved to continue promoting a framework for the
peaceful progress of the Territory towards an act of self-determination in which all
options are open and which would safeguard the rights of all sectors of the
population, according to the letter and the spirit of the Nouméa Accord, which is
based on the principle that it is for the populations of New Caledonia to choose how
to control their destiny;
13. Recalls with satisfaction the efforts of the French authorities to resolve
the question of voter registration by adopting, in the French Congress of Parliament,
on 19 February 2007, amendments to the French Constitution allowing New
Caledonia to restrict eligibility to vote in local polls to those voters registered on the
1998 electoral rolls when the Nouméa Accord was signed, thus ensuring strong
representation of the Kanak population;
14. Welcomes all measures taken to strengthen and diversify the New
Caledonian economy in all fields, and encourages further such measures in
accordance with the spirit of the Matignon and Nouméa Accords;
15. Also welcomes the importance attached by the parties to the Matignon
and Nouméa Accords to greater progress in housing, employment, training,
education and health care in New Caledonia;
16. Notes the financial assistance rendered by the Government of France to
the Territory in areas such as health, education, payment of public-service salaries
and funding development schemes;
17. Acknowledges the contribution of the Melanesian Cultural Centre to the
protection of the indigenous Kanak culture of New Caledonia;
18. Notes the positive initiatives aimed at protecting the natural environment
of New Caledonia, including the “Zonéco” operation designed to map and evaluate
marine resources within the economic zone of New Caledonia;
19. Welcomes the cooperation among Australia, France and New Zealand in
terms of surveillance of fishing zones, in accordance with the wishes expressed by
France during the France-Oceania Summits in July 2003 and June 2006;
20. Acknowledges the close links between New Caledonia and the peoples of
the South Pacific and the positive actions being taken by the French and territorial
authorities to facilitate the further development of those links, including the
development of closer relations with the countries members of the Pacific Islands
Forum;
21. Recalls with satisfaction, in this regard, the participation of New
Caledonia at the 41st summit of the Pacific Islands Forum, held in Port Vila on
4 and 5 August 2010, following its accession to the Forum as an associate member
in October 2006;
22. Recalls the continuing high-level visits to New Caledonia by delegations
from countries of the Pacific region and high-level visits by delegations from New
Caledonia to countries members of the Pacific Islands Forum;
23. Welcomes the cooperative attitude of other States and Territories in the
region towards New Caledonia, its economic and political aspirations and its
increasing participation in regional and international affairs;
24. Recalls the endorsement of the report of the Forum Ministerial
Committee on New Caledonia by leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum at its 36th
Summit, held in Papua New Guinea in October 2005, and the continuing role of the
Forum Ministerial Committee in monitoring developments in the Territory and
encouraging closer regional engagements;
25. Welcomes the successful conclusion of the Pacific regional seminar of the
Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples,
held in Nouméa from 18 to 20 May 2010, and expresses its appreciation to the
people and Government of New Caledonia for hosting the seminar and to the
Government of France for its support in organizing it;
26. Decides to keep under continuous review the process unfolding in New
Caledonia as a result of the signing of the Nouméa Accord;
27. Requests the Special Committee to continue the examination of the
question of the Non-Self-Governing Territory of New Caledonia and to report
thereon to the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session.
Pitcairn
The General Assembly adopted the following resolution on Pitcairn:
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on Pitcairn16 and
other relevant information,
Taking into account the unique character of Pitcairn in terms of population,
area and access,
Noting that, following consultations in 2009, the Pitcairn Constitution Order
2010, including human rights provisions, came into force in the Territory in March
2010, replacing the 1970 Pitcairn Order and 1970 Royal Instructions,
Aware that the administering Power and the territorial Government have
implemented a new governance structure to strengthen administrative capacity in
the Territory, based on consultations with the people of the Territory, and that
Pitcairn continues to receive budgetary aid from the administering Power for the
operation of the territorial Government,
1. Welcomes the entry into force of the Pitcairn Constitution Order 2010 in
the Territory in March 2010, featuring a new constitutional framework and human
rights provisions, and all efforts by the administering Power and the territorial
Government that would further devolve operational responsibilities to the Territory,
with a view to gradually expanding self-government, including through training of
local personnel;
2. Requests the administering Power to assist the Territory by facilitating its
work concerning public outreach efforts, consistent with Article 73 b of the Charter
of the United Nations, and, in this regard, calls upon the relevant United Nations
organizations to provide assistance to the Territory, if requested;
3. Also requests the administering Power to continue its assistance for the
improvement of the economic, social, educational and other conditions of the
population of the Territory and to continue its discussions with the territorial
Government on how best to support economic security in Pitcairn;
Saint Helena
The United Nations Fourth Committee made the following changes to the recommended resolution of the Decolonisation Committee:
(c) The eighth preambular paragraph, which read:
“Noting also the importance of improving the infrastructure and
accessibility of Saint Helena, and, in this regard, the administering Power’s
decision in December 2009 not to proceed with an airport project for the time
being, and to conduct further analysis, including options for funding the
capital cost of the airport through a public-private partnership”,
was replaced by:
“Noting also the importance of improving the infrastructure and
accessibility of Saint Helena, and, in this regard, the administering Power’s
announcement on 22 July 2010 about plans for building an airport on the
island of Saint Helena”;
(d) Operative paragraph 4, which read:
“4. Notes the decision by the administering Power to carry out further
analysis on building an airport in the Territory, and calls upon the
administering Power to take into account the unique geographical character of
Saint Helena in the process”,
was replaced by:
“4. Calls upon the administering Power to take into account the unique
geographical character of Saint Helena while resolving as soon as feasible any
outstanding issues related to the airport construction”;
The amended text of the resolution was adopted by the General Assembly as follows:
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on Saint
Helena and other relevant information,
Recalling the statement of the representative of Saint Helena at the Caribbean
regional seminar, held in Frigate Bay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, from 12 to 14 May
2009,
Taking into account the unique character of Saint Helena in terms of its
population, geography and natural resources,
Noting the internal constitutional review process led by the territorial
Government since 2001, the completion of a draft constitution following
negotiations between the administering Power and the territorial Government in
2003 and 2004, the consultative poll with regard to a new Constitution, held in Saint
Helena in May 2005, the subsequent preparation of a revised draft constitution and
its publication in June 2008 for further public consultation, and the entry into force
of the new Constitution for Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha on
1 September 2009,
Aware that Saint Helena continues to receive budgetary aid from the
administering Power for the operation of the territorial Government,
Aware also of the efforts of the administering Power and the territorial
Government to improve the socio-economic conditions of the population of Saint
Helena, in particular in the areas of employment and transport and communications
infrastructure,
Noting the efforts of the Territory to address the problem of unemployment on
the island and the joint action of the administering Power and the territorial
Government in dealing with it,
Noting also the importance of improving the infrastructure and accessibility of
Saint Helena, and, in this regard, the administering Power’s announcement on
22 July 2010 about plans for building an airport on the island of Saint Helena,
1. Stresses the importance of the entry into force of the Territory’s new
Constitution in 2009;
2. Requests the administering Power to assist the Territory by facilitating its
work concerning public outreach efforts, consistent with Article 73 b of the Charter
of the United Nations, and, in that regard, calls upon the relevant United Nations
organizations to provide assistance to the Territory, if requested;
3. Requests the administering Power and relevant international
organizations to continue to support the efforts of the territorial Government to
address the Territory’s socio-economic development challenges, including
unemployment, and limited transport and communications infrastructure;
4. Calls upon the administering Power to take into account the unique
geographical character of Saint Helena while resolving as soon as feasible any
outstanding issues related to the airport construction;
Tokelau
The General Assembly adopted the following resolution on Tokelau:
The General Assembly,
Having considered the question of Tokelau,
Having examined the chapter of the report of the Special Committee on the
Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples for 2010 relating to Tokelau,
Recalling its resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, containing the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and
all resolutions and decisions of the United Nations relating to Non-Self-Governing
Territories, in particular General Assembly resolution 64/103 of 10 December 2009,
Noting with appreciation the continuing exemplary cooperation of New
Zealand as the administering Power with regard to the work of the Special
Committee relating to Tokelau and its readiness to permit access by United Nations
visiting missions to the Territory,
Noting also with appreciation the collaborative contribution to the
development of Tokelau by New Zealand and the specialized agencies and other
organizations of the United Nations system, in particular the United Nations
Development Programme,
Noting that, as a small island Territory, Tokelau exemplifies the situation of
most remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories and that, as a case study pointing to
successful cooperation for decolonization, Tokelau has wider significance for the
United Nations as it seeks to complete its work in decolonization,
Recalling that New Zealand and Tokelau signed in November 2003 a
document entitled “Joint statement of the principles of partnership”, which sets out
the rights and responsibilities of the two partners,
Bearing in mind the decision of the General Fono at its meeting in November
2003, following extensive consultations undertaken in all three villages, to explore
formally with New Zealand the option of self-government in free association and its
decision in August 2005 to hold in February 2006 a referendum on selfdetermination
on the basis of a draft constitution for Tokelau and a draft treaty of
free association with New Zealand, and its subsequent decision to hold a further
referendum in October 2007,
1. Notes that Tokelau and New Zealand remain firmly committed to the
ongoing development of Tokelau for the long-term benefit of the people of Tokelau,
with particular emphasis on the further development of facilities on each atoll that
meet their current requirements;
2. Welcomes the progress made towards the devolution of power to the three
taupulega (village councils), in particular the delegation of the Administrator’s
powers to the three taupulega with effect from 1 July 2004 and the assumption by
each taupulega from that date of full responsibility for the management of all its
public services;
3. Recalls the decision of the General Fono in November 2003, following
extensive consultations in all three villages and a meeting of the Special Committee
on the Constitution of Tokelau, to explore formally with New Zealand the option of
self-government in free association, and the discussions subsequently held between
Tokelau and New Zealand pursuant to the decision of the General Fono;
4. Also recalls the decision of the General Fono in August 2005 to hold a
referendum on self-government on the basis of a draft constitution for Tokelau and a
draft treaty of free association with New Zealand, and notes the enactment by the
General Fono of rules for the referendum;
5. Further recalls that two referendums to determine the status of Tokelau,
held in February 2006 and October 2007, did not produce the two-thirds majority of
the valid votes cast required by the General Fono to change Tokelau’s status from
that of a Non-Self-Governing Territory under the administration of New Zealand;
6. Commends the professional and transparent conduct of both the February
2006 and the October 2007 referendums, monitored by the United Nations;
7. Acknowledges the decision of the General Fono that consideration of any
future act of self-determination by Tokelau will be deferred and that New Zealand
and Tokelau will devote renewed effort and attention to ensuring that essential
services and infrastructure on the atolls of Tokelau are enhanced and strengthened,
thereby ensuring an enhanced quality of life for the people of Tokelau;
8. Also acknowledges Tokelau’s adoption of its National Strategic Plan for
2010-2015;
9. Further acknowledges the ongoing and consistent commitment of New
Zealand to meeting the social and economic requirements of the people of Tokelau,
as well as the support and cooperation of the United Nations Development
Programme;
10. Acknowledges Tokelau’s need for continued support from the
international community;
11. Recalls with satisfaction the establishment and operation of the Tokelau
International Trust Fund to support the ongoing needs of Tokelau, and calls upon
Member States and international and regional agencies to contribute to the Fund and
thereby lend practical support to Tokelau in overcoming the problems of smallness,
isolation and lack of resources;
12. Welcomes the cooperative attitude of the other States and territories in the
region towards Tokelau, and their support for its economic and political aspirations
and its increasing participation in regional and international affairs;
13. Calls upon the administering Power and United Nations agencies to
continue to provide assistance to Tokelau as it further develops;
14. Welcomes the actions taken by the administering Power to transmit
information regarding the political, economic and social situation of Tokelau to the
Secretary-General;
15. Also welcomes the commitment of both Tokelau and New Zealand to
continue to work together in the interests of Tokelau and its people;
16. Requests the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the
Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples to continue to examine the question of the Non-Self-
Governing Territory of Tokelau and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its
sixty-sixth session.
Turks and Caicos Islands
The United Nations Fourth Committee made the following changes to the recommended resolution of the Decolonisation Committee:
(e) The seventh preambular paragraph, which read:
“Noting with concern the suspension of the elected territorial Government of
the Territory”,
was replaced by:
“Noting the postponement of elections in the Territory”;
(f) The position of operative paragraphs 1 and 2 was reversed;
(g) At the end of operative paragraph 3 the following words were inserted:
“and notes also the view expressed by the administering Power not to postpone elections any longer than necessary”
(h) Operative paragraph 4, which read:
“4. Stresses the importance of putting in place for the Territory a
Constitution that reflects the aspirations and wishes of the people of the Territory,
based on the work of the Constitutional Commission, the Turks and Caicos forum
and other mechanisms for popular consultation”,
was replaced by:
“4. Also notes the extensive public consultations undertaken by the
Constitutional and Electoral Reform Adviser and the continued debate on
constitutional and electoral reform within the Territory, and stresses the
importance of participation by all groups and interested parties in the
consultation process”;
(i) A new operative paragraph 5 was inserted, reading:
“5. Stresses further the importance of having in place in the Territory a
Constitution that reflects the aspirations and wishes of the people of the
Territory, based on the mechanisms for popular consultation”;
(j) Existing operative paragraphs 5 and 6 were renumbered as operative
Paragraphs 6 and 7.
The amended text of the resolution was adopted by the General Assembly as follows:
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on the Turks and
Caicos Islands and other relevant information,
Recalling the statement of the representative of the Turks and Caicos Islands at
the Caribbean regional seminar, held in Frigate Bay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, from
12 to 14 May 2009,
Recalling also the dispatch of the United Nations special mission to the Turks
and Caicos Islands in 2006, at the request of the territorial Government and with the
concurrence of the administering Power,
Recalling further the 2002 report of the Constitutional Modernization Review
Body, and acknowledging the Constitution agreed between the administering Power
and the territorial Government, which entered into force in 2006,
Noting the administering Power’s decision to suspend parts of the 2006
Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands, covering the constitutional right to
trial by jury, ministerial Government, and the House of Assembly, following the
recommendations of an independent Commission of Inquiry and the ruling of the
administering Power’s Court of Appeal,
Acknowledging the impact that the global economic slowdown and other
relevant developments have had on tourism and related real estate development, the
mainstays of the Territory’s economy,
Noting the postponement of elections in the Territory,
1. Notes with concern the ongoing situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands,
and also notes the efforts of the administering Power to restore good governance and
sound financial management in the Territory;
2. Calls for the restoration of constitutional arrangements providing for
representative democracy through elected territorial Government as soon as
possible;
3. Notes the positions and repeated calls of the Caribbean Community and
the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries for the restoration of democratically
elected territorial Government as a matter of urgency and notes also the view
expressed by the administering Power not to postpone elections any longer than
necessary;
4. Also notes the extensive public consultations undertaken by the
Constitutional and Electoral Reform Adviser and the continued debate on
constitutional and electoral reform within the Territory, and stresses the importance
of participation by all groups and interested parties in the consultation process;
5. Stresses further the importance of having in place in the Territory a
Constitution that reflects the aspirations and wishes of the people of the Territory,
based on the mechanisms for popular consultation;
6. Requests the administering Power to assist the Territory by facilitating its
work concerning public outreach efforts, consistent with Article 73 b of the Charter
of the United Nations, and, in that regard, calls upon the relevant United Nations
organizations to provide assistance to the Territory, if requested;
7. Welcomes the continuing efforts made by the Government addressing the
need for attention to be paid to the enhancement of socio-economic development
across the Territory;
United States Virgin Islands
The text of the resolution was adopted by the General Assembly as follows:
Taking note of the working paper prepared by the Secretariat on the United
States Virgin Islands and other relevant information,
Aware that under United States law the relations between the territorial
Government and the federal Government in all matters not the programme
responsibility of another federal department or agency are under the general
administrative supervision of the Secretary of the Interior
Aware also of the fifth attempt of the Territory to review the existing Revised
Organic Act, which organizes its internal governance arrangements, as well as its
requests to the administering Power and the United Nations system for assistance to
its public education programme,
Cognizant that a draft constitution was proposed in 2009 and subsequently
forwarded to the administering Power for review and action,
Cognizant also of the potential usefulness of regional ties for the development
of a small island Territory,
1. Welcomes the proposal of a draft constitution emanating from the
Territory in 2009, as a result of the work of the United States Virgin Islands fifth
Constitutional Convention, for review by the administering Power, and requests the
administering Power to assist the territorial Government in achieving its political,
economic and social goals, in particular the successful conclusion of the ongoing
internal Constitutional Convention exercise;
2. Requests the administering Power to facilitate the process for approval of
the proposed territorial constitution in the United States Congress and its
implementation, once agreed upon in the Territory;
3. Also requests the administering Power to assist the Territory by
facilitating its work concerning a public education programme, consistent with
Article 73 b of the Charter of the United Nations, and, in this regard, calls upon the
relevant United Nations organizations to provide assistance to the Territory, if
requested;
4. Reiterates its call for the inclusion of the Territory in regional
programmes of the United Nations Development Programme, consistent with the
participation of other Non-Self-Governing Territories.
